Nancy A. Oyster was born March 13, 1936, in Wausau, Wisconsin, attended elementary and secondary school in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

She received an AB degree from Ripon College, Ripon, Wisconsin, and an MS from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and subsequently a PhD. from Oregon State University. Her teaching career included a number of academic institutions: Ohio State University, University of Colorado, and Colorado State University in Ft. Collins. She was an avid skier, badminton player and swimming coach for many years and an extremely talented wood carver.

She was preceded in death by her parents and longtime friend Jean Arrasmith. She is survived by her brother, Tom, of Markesan, Wisconsin. No funeral services or memorials are planned. Burial will be in rural Northern Minnesota.